Found: Work Pants That'll Make You Look Forward to Office Days

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Tbh, few things make me feel more powerful than a pair of work pants. And when I say "work pants," I'm not talking about boring and stiff, starchy slacks (unless you're into that kind of thing, ofc). As office dress codes have relaxed, so has the definition of the ~dress pant~ and IMO, the best work pants for women tend to be those that are versatile and comfortable while still looking professional. I'm talking about pants that look just as good with a blouse and blazer as they do with a casual tee (because who doesn't love options??).

Whether you're into full-length and fitted or cropped and relaxed, I've rounded up a whole range of highly-rated women's work pants (including options in a variety of lengths for both petite and tall folks!). From linen and cotton to ponte and performance, these selects include a fit and fabric for everyone—and they'll all look amazing with your fave pair of dress shoes (or cool-girl sneakers, if your style leans more tenniscore than corpcore). Oh, and btw: Almost all of these work pants are machine washable for easy maintenance. Byeeee, dry cleaning bills!

Wanna dress to impress? Read on for the comfiest and chicest work pants for women, according to Cosmo editors and some very enthusiastic reviewers.

Sloane Tailored Pant

I own these pants in three different colors, and tbh, I still want more. Featuring a tailored wide leg, partially elasticated waistband, and fun pleating details, these ultra-high rise pants are so, so comfortable but still make you look totally put-together—plus, they come in a range of sizes (as well as a Curve Love version for those who want a lil more wiggle room in the hips and thighs).

• Material: 80% polyester, 16% viscose, 4% elastane

• Sizes: 23 to 37

• Inseam: 28" for short, 30" for regular, or 32" for long

• Colors: 13 options

Glowing Customer Review: "I love love love these pants! I have them in two different colors and wear them constantly. The fit is so good on different body types and is easy to style with. Will 100% be buying more color soon!"

Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants

Made with Anthro's proprietary Magic Fabric (which uses a blend of viscose, linen, cotton, and elastane), these pants are somehow both stretchy and sculpting, boasting a form-fitting high rise and cute cropped hem. And while the fabric feels thick and substantial, it's still ah-mazingly breathable, which is a big plus in my book.

• Material: 47% viscose, 35% linen, 15% cotton, 3% elastane

• Sizes: 23 to 48

• Inseam: 24" for petite, 25" for plus, 26" for standard, or 29" for tall

• Colors: Holly, Lavender, Light Red, Black, White, or Dark Blue

Glowing Customer Review: "Best pants I’ve ever bought. I now have four pairs. Comfortable. True to size. Flattering. Stretchy but feel very polished. Pockets in the front are a nice touch. I love the wide leg and the slight cropped feel. Great fabric, too."

Stretch Flare Work Pant

Found: Work pants that feel like leggings but look like professional trousers (and won't cost ya more than $40). Though inexpensive, these pants feature lots of elevated details that make 'em look pricier than they are, like those two side pockets, the faux back welt pockets, and the pintuck seam detailing down the front of the pants.

• Material: 75% polyester, 25% spandex

• Sizes: 25 to 35 (S-2X)

• Inseam: 25" for petite, 27" for regular, or 29" for tall

• Colors: 8 options

Glowing Customer Review: "These pants have exceeded my expectations. They are really flattering and professional-looking and are SO comfortable. You can wear these pants to a corporate job interview, on a date, or to walk your dog. Super versatile. I plan to order more in other colors!"

Swift Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pant

Listen, I know lululemon isn't the first place you'd think to shop for work clothes, but these pants are eve-ry-thing. Ideal for travel (since they're lightweight and wrinkle-resistant), testers love these pants for their relaxed fit and stretchy waistband—but they also look surprisingly profesh due to the lined fabric and longer length.

• Material: 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane

• Sizes: 20.5 to 34 (0-14)

• Inseam: 32"

• Colors: 11 options

Glowing Customer Review: "In love with these pants. Incredibly comfortable and versatile. I dressed them up with a blazer and flats for work but have also worn them with white sneakers more casually for everyday wear. I’ve raved about these to everyone. Will be purchasing in more colors for sure."

Harlow Wide-Leg Pant

When I wear my Harlow pants to work, I don't even feel the need to change out of them when I get home—that's how comfy they are. But despite the roomy fit and drapey fabric, these pants (which are also available in a curvy cut for those who like more room in the hips and thighs) still make me feel oh-so-polished, thanks to the subtle pleats and cute sailor-inspired button tabs at the waist.

• Material: 48% Tencel lyocell, 33% cotton, 19% linen

• Sizes: 25 to 51 (00-16)

• Inseam: 27.5" for petite, 29.5" for plus, 30" for standard, or 33" for tall

• Colors: 10 options

Glowing Customer Review: "These are a tailored, classic, wide-legged dream. They provide comfort without overwhelming the frame. They nip in the waist beautifully. Whether you want to elevate or stay casual, these do not disappoint and serve in many occasions."

100% European Linen Tapered Ankle Pant

Will I be wearing these linen beauts to work at least once a week this summer? Probably!! Though breezy and casual, the tapered leg and pintuck seam detailing on these gives 'em an elevated lewk, so they pair just as well with a dressy blouse as they do a basic T-shirt. Plus, that $40 price tag simply can't be beat.

• Material: 100% linen

• Sizes: 25.5 to 35.5 (XS-XL)

• Inseam: 26"

• Colors: Sand, Deep Navy, Martini Olive, Oatmeal, Chocolate, Light Cargo, or Black

Glowing Customer Review: "I love these pants so much that I’ve purchased them in multiple colors. The quality is spectacular and they keep me both fresh and stylish during hot summer days. I’m not very curvy so I went down a size for a more tailored fit."

Perfect Pant, Slim Straight

Hundreds of reviewers have called these the holy grail work pants, and let me tell ya, they def live up to the hype. The secret is in the buttery-soft ponte fabric, which is thick and oh-so-slightly compressive for A+ shaping. And while they look like leggings, the faux back welt pockets and side seams keep them looking v much like ~professional pants.~

• Material: 68% rayon, 28% nylon, 4% elastane

• Sizes: 24.5 to 48 (XS-3X)

• Inseam: 28" for petite, 30.5" for regular, 32.5" for tall

• Colors: Navy, Black, Charcoal, or True Red

Glowing Customer Review: "I bought the black and the navy and they look and fit amazing! They’re as comfortable as wearing sweatpants to work and nobody needs to know! I’ve taken long flights in them, worn them to client visits, and spent 12-hour days at work all in complete comfort."

Extra High-Waisted Wide Leg Trouser Pants

You don't have to shell out a ton of $$$ for cute work pants, and these Old Navy bbs are proof. Made with textured crepe fabric and complete with on-trend tailored pleats, these pants bring all the comfort (loose legs! Extra-high waist! Elasticized back band!) while still looking 100 percent office-appropriate.

• Material: 39% recycled polyester, 36% polyester, 19% viscose rayon, 6% spandex

• Sizes: 25 to 54 (XS-4X)

• Inseam: 28" for petite, 30" for regular, 33" for tall

• Colors: 11 options

Glowing Customer Review: "I was hunting for the perfect trouser pants and I tried on hundreds of dollars worth of them—and these Old Navy ones were by far the most flattering, comfortable pair. They look polished for work or stylish for a casual or date night outfit. These could literally be sold as pajama pants if they had a different fastener and no pleats."

Organic Straight-Leg Pant

Not to be dramatic, but I actually gasped when I put these pants on in the Everlane dressing room—they're really that good. The organic twill fabric feels like a dream, while the waist-nipping, butt-lifting, leg-lengthening design looks fab on a wide variety of body types. What's not to love??

• Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane

• Sizes: 24 to 35.5 (00-16)

• Inseam: 26.5"

• Colors: Pumice Stone, Black, Bone, Beech, Toasted Coconut, Cocoa, or Navy

Glowing Customer Review: "These pants are buttery soft, thick, well made (good stitching), and perfect for my body type: short and curvy. I’m honestly amazed at how flattering and comfy they are—normally I have to pick between those two. I loved them so much I bought them in another color."

Wide Leg Palazzo Pants

Over 12,000 five-star reviews agree: These palazzo-style Amazon pants are a total steal. Testers <3 the medium weight fabric (which feels breezy without being transparent), as well as the stretchy elasticized back waistband and super-wide-leg design. And those front pleats and belt loops mean they look just as good in the office as they do with you on vacation.

• Material: 100% polyester

• Sizes: 25 to 38 (XS-2X)

• Inseam: 24.5" for short, 27.5" for regular, or 32" for long

• Colors: 30+ options

Glowing Customer Review: "These are most flattering and expensive-looking pants ever. I ordered a beige color and it looks gorgeous. Not see-through as well. I will be ordering other colors because the material is perfect for spring and summer."

Endless High Rise Pant

If you hate pulling out the iron (or, like me, are too lazy to even own one), these are the pants for you. Great for work trips and casual Fridays, Athleta's semi-fitted, tapered-leg commuter pants are made with PrimaStretch fabric, which is buttery soft, subtly textured, and amazingly wrinkle-resistant. Corporate meets cozy? I'm in.

• Material: 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex

• Sizes: 25 to 46 (0-26)

• Inseam: 25.5" for petite, 27.5" for regular, 30.5" for tall

• Colors: Abalone Grey, Granite Blue, Aspen Olive, Navy, Black, or Deep Fern

Glowing Customer Review: "I love these pants! Perfect for work. Covers my stomach, [and the ] waistband is super comfortable. Love the pockets and the feel of the fabric—thick enough to cover 'dimples' and not stick or cling to my body, but not so thick that it's suffocating. Please make these in every color!"

Colby Pant

Ya, I know they're a lil pricey. But when I tell you the Colby Pant is worth the investment, I mean it. These bestsellers are made with OrigamiTech, which means they're machine washable, lightweight, and resistant to wrinkles for easy travel. And while these tapered pants will give you the stretch and comfort of sweatpants, they also look chic AF with a blazer and heels.

• Material: 90% polyester, 10% polyurethane

• Sizes: 24 to 39.5 (00-20)

• Inseam: 28"

• Colors: 8 options

Glowing Customer Review: "These pants are great for a long workday or travel. They are machine washable and hold their shape all day without wrinkles. I LOVE the zippered pockets and leg shape. For me, they are straight-legged without looking or feeling clingy/skinny."

Elevation Trouser

For the person who wants to get away with wearing sweatpants to work, pls meet the Elevation Trouser. Made from a versatile stretch-knit fabric that's super airy and legit feels like suede, these bbs have the tailored fit of your favorite pleated trousers but the coziness of yoga pants (which is probs why they keep selling out!!).

• Material: 87% recycled polyester, 13% elastane
  

• Sizes: 23 to 37 (XXS-2X)

• Inseam: 30.25"

• Colors: Ecru, Black, or Midnight

Glowing Customer Review: "I love these pants. They are super form-fitting and flattering. While they have the softness of sweatpants, they look great in the office."

Smart Signature Ponte Pants

Soft yet structured, these Universal Standard ponte pants mean serious business (in, like, a fun way). Yes, they've got an elasticated waist, but they also have the structure and tailoring of ~important lady~ slacks, and—like all the best ponte pants—they're stretchy, smoothing, and resistant to wrinkling.

• Material: 60% rayon, 35% nylon, 5% elastane

• Sizes: 24 to 70 (00-40)

• Inseam: 27" for regular, 32" for long

• Colors: 8 options

Glowing Customer Review: "These are the BEST work pants. They are a lovely weight, so they look and feel professional and finished, and hang beautifully. The elastic waist is thick and comfy—a total win. I have them in 3 colors, and will buy a second black pair soon."

Mason Pant

Here they are: the easy, breezy, beautiful work pants of your dreams. The Mason Pant is made with eucalyptus fiber (which is known for being ultra-breathable and silky-soft) and complete with chic pleated details—plus, it's available in both petite and extended sizes. Oh, and did I mention that Reformation offers free alterations?

• Material: 100% Tencel lyocell

• Sizes: 25 to 47.5 (0-24)

• Inseam: 29.75" for petite or 32" for standard

• Colors: 9 options

Glowing Customer Review: "These are perfect in every way! I had to have the bottoms hemmed just a bit, but if you wear heels you probably won't need to hem. Comfortable, stylish, flattering. Can be dressed up or down. Slightly prone to wrinkles, but nothing a quick steam can't take care of."

Carolina Flare Pant

The problem with a lot of linen pants: They can feel a lil scratchy. But that won't be a problem with the Carolina Flare Pant, which is made with a blend of premium linen and Sorona (a plant-based material that's super-soft and breathable). The result: Pants that drape beautifully and feel like silk on your skin.

• Material: 67% linen, 33% Sorona bio-polyester

• Sizes: 24 to 45.5 (0-24)

• Inseam: 30" for petite, 32" for classic, or 35" for tall

• Colors: Navy, Black, Flax Ivory, or White

Glowing Customer Review: "I have been on the hunt for a dressy but comfortable pair of linen slacks and these fit the bill! I ordered the white and they are beautiful—the lining is thick and high-quality. The wide-leg style is chic and very flattering. I am not one to normally spend this amount on pants...but these are an investment and are worth every penny."

Good Skate Trousers

Coolest girl in the office? It's gonna be you when you wear these pants. Designed with a loose, oversized fit in mind, these skate-inspired pants are roomy without looking sloppy, and the cotton stretch twill fabric is thick while still feeling breathable. Talk about versatile!

• Material: 97% cotton, 3% elastane

• Sizes: 24.5 to 55 (00-32)

• Inseam: 34"

• Colors: Cloud White, Black, or Fatigue

Glowing Customer Review: "These fit perfectly, and they are soft and comfortable. Great for work, [but] they feel like pajamas!"

Why trust 'Cosmo'?

Cosmo's team of digital fashion experts have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. These work pants were chosen based on style, functionality, testability, price point, and so many reviews to put together this shoppable list of the very best for you!

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